Vet Insight: Acupuncture for Axial Stiffness in Horses 2025 🐴🧘‍♂️🩺

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

In recent years, integrative therapies like acupuncture have become increasingly popular in equine sports medicine—and now, we’re seeing more science to back it up. A 2023 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) suggests that acupuncture may help horses suffering from axial stiffness, a condition that limits spinal flexibility and impacts performance. 🧠🐎

In this 2025 equine health review, Dr Duncan Houston explores the study’s results, the potential of acupuncture as a treatment, and the need for more large-scale research. 🧬🧘‍♂️

1. What Is Axial Stiffness in Horses? 🦴

The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column (spine), ribs, and sternum. Axial stiffness refers to reduced flexibility in this area, making it harder for the horse to:

• 🌪️ Rotate the spine
• 🏇 Stretch or flex the back during movement
• 🧘‍♂️ Maintain fluid motion in dressage or jumping

It’s especially concerning in racehorses and sport horses, as it affects athletic ability and comfort under saddle. 📉

2. Study Design: How the Research Was Conducted 🧪

Researchers studied 12 steeplechase horses with signs of axial stiffness. They were randomly divided into two groups:

• 💉 6 horses received acupuncture treatment
• 🚫 6 horses received no treatment (control group)

Assessment Tools Included:

• 📋 Rider/trainer questionnaires before and after treatment
• 🏃‍♂️ Clinical evaluations at the trot for dorsal flexibility
• 📈 Free jumping tests (canter and trot) measured with internal sensors

3. Key Findings of the Study 🔍

Results showed:

• 📆 Horses receiving acupuncture improved more by day 7 and 14 compared to controls
• 🧠 Subjective improvement in back flexibility was significant in the treated group
• 🔁 Objective motion tracking supported clinical findings

The study concluded that acupuncture may offer short-term improvement in axial stiffness symptoms and performance. ✅

4. Why This Matters for Performance Horses 🏆

Axial stiffness is a common complaint in:

• 🐎 Dressage horses
• 🏇 Racehorses and eventers
• 🎠 Show jumpers

It can cause resistance under saddle, uneven gait, and poor performance. Acupuncture offers a non-pharmaceutical approach to help reduce stiffness, increase motion, and avoid overreliance on anti-inflammatories. 🧘‍♂️💊

5. Acupuncture: How It Works in Horses 💡

Equine acupuncture involves placing very fine needles at specific points to:

• 🔄 Stimulate nerves
• 💉 Modulate pain
• 🧠 Encourage relaxation and better muscle coordination

It’s commonly used for:

• 🦵 Back and pelvic pain
• 🧘 Lameness and stiffness
• 🌬️ Respiratory and digestive support

6. Limitations of the Study ⚠️

While the results are promising, this study had limitations:

• 📊 Only 12 horses were involved
• ⏳ Short-term results only (up to 14 days)
• 🧪 No placebo control

More research is needed with larger sample sizes and blinded evaluations. But the early data supports further exploration. 📚

7. Is Acupuncture Right for Your Horse? ✅

Consider acupuncture if your horse:

• 🧠 Struggles with flexibility, bending, or lateral work
• 🛑 Shows signs of stiffness with no clear cause
• 🧘 Needs a non-invasive treatment to support overall performance

Always work with a licensed equine acupuncture practitioner—ideally a vet trained in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) or an AVMA-accredited certification. 🩺📜

8. Summary Table: Acupuncture for Axial Stiffness 📋✅

9. Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston 💬

Acupuncture shows real potential as a safe, non-invasive tool for helping horses with axial stiffness—especially in performance settings. While more studies are needed, early results are encouraging and support its integration into comprehensive care plans. 🧘‍♂️🐴📈

Want to explore acupuncture or other integrative therapies for your horse? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📲 to connect with certified equine practitioners and develop a custom mobility plan.

— Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc